Michael Brooks
The use of pews in Catholic churches has been a topic of debate, with some arguing that they are a recent invention adopted from the Protestant Reformation to alleviate worshippers from standing during sermons. In contrast, others argue that pews have been a standard item of church furniture, especially in Catholic churches in the United States. While there is no standard distance between Catholic pews, the spacing typically depends on the number of seats required and the type of pews used. Aisles should be at least 4 feet wide, and pews should be around 36 inches apart from front to back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance between pews (front to back) | 36 inches |
| Space per person | 18 inches |
| Number of people per pew | 14-15 |
| Aisle width | 4 feet (6-8 feet for formal weddings or elaborate processions) |
| Kneeler width | 15 cm |
| Kneeler height | 10-15 cm |
| Pew type | Single row of long pews, two or three rows of small pews with aisles, or long pews in the center with short benches on the sides |
| Pew material | Wood or metal |
| History | First appeared as backless stone benches in English churches in the 13th century; wooden benches replaced stone ones in the 14th century and became common in the 15th century; became permanent fixtures in churches during the Protestant Reformation |
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What You'll Learn
The history of Catholic pews
In the 14th century, wooden benches began to replace stone ones, becoming common in the 15th century. However, it wasn't until the Protestant Reformation that churches were typically furnished with permanent pews. The rise of the sermon as a central act of Christian worship, especially in Protestantism, made the pew a standard and desirable piece of church furniture. The lengthy Protestant sermons encouraged the adoption of pews to relieve worshippers of the need to stand.
The introduction of pews also led to the practice of renting them to families or individuals, known as "seatholders". This practice was particularly common in the United States, where churches lacked government support through mandatory tithing. Pew rentals became a means of generating income and enforcing social standing within a parish. The more desirable pews were often more expensive, and the rental prices could vary significantly.
Catholics, particularly in England and the United States, adopted the use of pews after Protestants. The Third Council of Baltimore authorised pew rentals as a type of fundraiser. While the Catholic Church embraced the use of pews, not all Christians did. To this day, most Eastern churches, including Byzantine and Orthodox Christians, do not utilise pews and defend their choice.
The spacing between Catholic pews can vary depending on the church layout and the number of seats required. Typically, aisles should be at least 4 feet wide to allow comfortable passage. The distance between pews should be approximately 36 inches from front to back, and each person is traditionally allocated about 18 inches of space. However, these dimensions may be adjusted based on the specific needs of the congregation.
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The ideal space between pews
Aisle Width and Accessibility
The width of the aisles between pew sections is an important factor to consider. A minimum aisle width of 4 feet is recommended to allow comfortable passage for people walking to their pews or for single-file processions. For more elaborate processions or formal weddings, a wider aisle of 6 to 8 feet may be necessary. It is also essential to ensure that aisles are accessible for wheelchairs and walkers.
Congregation Comfort and Traditions
The spacing between pews should consider the comfort and traditions of the congregation. If the congregation kneels during the service, more space between pews may be required. In Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican denominations, for example, pews are often equipped with kneelers, which can influence the spacing. Additionally, the size of the congregation and their preferences for sitting closely together or having extra space can impact the ideal spacing.
Number of Seats and Row Spacing
The number of seats required and the church's capacity can influence the spacing between pews. Churches with limited seating may opt for larger row spacing, around 40 inches, to accommodate fewer people. As the congregation grows, row spacing may be reduced to increase capacity without the need for a larger building.
Type of Pews and Seating Layout
The type of pews and the overall seating layout can vary. Churches may choose long pews, multiple rows of small pews with aisles, or a combination of long and short benches. The layout may include straight rows facing a pulpit or center area, curved rows to follow the shape of a round stage, or a theatre-in-the-round arrangement with sections surrounding the stage. The chosen layout and pew type will influence the ideal space between pews.
Historical and Cultural Considerations
The use of pews in churches has evolved over time and varies across different denominations. Pews were not commonly used before the Protestant Reformation, and their introduction was associated with the rise of sermons as a central act of worship in Protestantism. In Catholic churches, the use of pews became more common after Protestants adopted them, and homilies became longer. Today, some Eastern churches, such as Byzantine and Orthodox Christians, still do not widely use pews, preferring traditional standing or floor-seating arrangements.
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The number of people per pew
The number of people sitting in a single pew can vary depending on the spacing between the pews and the size of the congregation. Typically, no more than 14 or 15 people should sit in a single pew. This is based on the traditional allowance of 18 inches of space per person. However, this spacing may not always be feasible, and adjustments may be made based on the average size of the congregation members and their comfort level with sitting close together.
The spacing between church pews can range from 36 inches to 40 inches or more. The ideal spacing aims to provide sufficient legroom and accommodate any practices that require additional space, such as kneeling during the service. If kneelers are not utilized, a spacing of 36 inches from front to back is recommended. However, if the congregation kneels during prayers, more space between the pews will be necessary.
Churches may also adjust the spacing between pews to manage their seating capacity. When there are limited seats available, a larger spacing of 40 inches between rows can be allocated. As the congregation grows and more seating is required, the space between rows can be gradually reduced. This strategy allows churches to accommodate a larger number of people without constructing a new building or expanding the existing one.
The layout and arrangement of the pews can also impact the number of people per pew. Churches can opt for a single row of long pews, multiple rows of small pews with aisles, or a combination of long pews in the center and short benches on the sides. The use of individual seats or folding chairs along the aisle can provide additional flexibility in managing the number of people per pew and maximizing seating capacity.
In summary, the number of people per pew in a Catholic church can vary depending on the spacing between the pews, the size and comfort level of the congregation, and the overall layout and arrangement of the seating. The recommended maximum of 14 to 15 people per pew, based on traditional spacing guidelines, may be adjusted to meet the specific needs and characteristics of the congregation.
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The use of kneelers
Kneelers are an essential part of Catholic worship, allowing members of the congregation to kneel comfortably instead of on the floor. They are usually placed in front of the seating bench and are also found in confessionals and areas in front of an altar. Kneelers are also a part of the prie-dieu prayer desk.
Kneelers are not just for Catholic churches. Many Protestant and Orthodox churches also use kneelers as part of their worship practices. The use of kneelers spans across denominations. While kneeling is a valuable posture for prayer, it is not mandatory. Some people may have physical limitations that make kneeling difficult or impossible, and others may prefer to pray while seated or standing.
The benefits of kneelers go beyond physical comfort. Kneeling is a powerful way to express humility and reverence. It is a form of submission and surrender, indicating a total submission of our minds and hearts to the true Presence of Christ. In some cultures, servants dare not look into the eyes of their king, and kneeling before God is an extension of this tradition.
Kneelers also have practical benefits. They can help alleviate the tedium, rigidity, and stiffness that come from long periods of standing, especially for older people. Kneeling can be a welcome relief after standing or sitting for a long time.
Kneelers can also deepen your spiritual connection. They provide a tangible reminder to slow down and humble yourself, enhancing your sense of reverence and respect in worship. When you kneel, you are reminded of the sacredness of the moment and the One you are communicating with.
- Take advantage of kneelers when they are available.
- When you kneel, take a moment to settle in and get comfortable. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and be present in the moment.
- If your mind wanders, gently redirect your thoughts back to God.
- Use physical cues to maintain focus, such as clasping your hands or holding a rosary as you pray.
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The renting of pews
The practice of renting pews was not without its controversies. In the Gospel, Jesus cautions against the accumulation of wealth, and the renting of pews could be seen as a privilege afforded only to those with financial means. This perception is further reinforced by the fact that those who could not pay the pew rent were relegated to using unassigned seats, which may not have been as desirable or comfortable.
The system of straps on rented pews mentioned in the minutes of an earlier Vestry meeting from 1947 at Saint Mark's Church is intriguing. It is speculated that these straps restricted access to the pews, distinguishing between those who had paid for privileged seating and those who had not.
Over time, some churches moved away from the practice of renting pews. For example, Saint Mark's Church amended its by-laws in 1957 to prohibit the acquisition of permanent sittings, making all un-rented pews available to any member of the congregation.
Today, the spacing between church pews is often determined by the number of seats required or affordable, with larger spacing when there are fewer seats and a gradual decrease in row size as the congregation grows. The church seating layout is flexible, and individual seats or folding chairs can be added to accommodate more people.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no standard distance between Catholic pews. The distance between pews can vary depending on the church seating layout and the type of pews used. Typically, there should be at least one aisle that is 4 feet wide, and pews should be roughly 36 inches apart from front to back.
For most of Church history, worshippers stood during the celebration of Mass, and there was little to no seating in the nave of the church. Pews were introduced during the Protestant Reformation to relieve worshippers of the need to stand during long sermons. To this day, Byzantine and most other Eastern Christian Churches, both Orthodox and Catholic, do not have pews.
The use of pews spread as a way to emphasize the differences between Protestants and Catholics. The introduction of pews also allowed churches to generate additional income by "renting" out pews to families or individuals.
The spacing between pews can depend on the number of seats required or available. Churches with limited seating may opt for larger spacing between rows, while those with a larger congregation may reduce row spacing to accommodate more people.
Yes, pews can vary in terms of size and style. They can be long bench seats or enclosed boxes, known as "box pews." Box pews were popular in England and America and provided better heat retention in churches without central heating.
